Comparative anatomy and histology of the mantle cavity of the chitons (polyplacophora) Mopalia muscosa and Mopalia lignosa

• Main Author: Winfield, Theodore P.
• Format: Others
• Published: BYU ScholarsArchive 1971
• Subjects: Chitons
• Online Access: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/7921; https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8921&context=etd

The chiton Mopalia muscosa ranges from the open rocky coast to the bay environment, whereas the related chiton Mopalia lignosa is restricted to the outer rocky coast. The mantle cavity currents, anatomy and histology were investigated. Mucous gland cells of Mopalia muscosa are goblet type secretory cells. Their apparent ability to deliver their secretion rapidly together with having a short restitution period probably accounts for Mopalia muscosa having success at invading the bay environment. The mucous glands of Mopalia lignosa consist primarily of cells with medium to coarse secretory granules. These cells apparently are not as efficient at handling suspended sediments thereby limiting in part the range of Mopalia lignosa. The distribution of cilia in the mantle cavity is correlated with secretory cell type. Mantle cavity and gill anatomy along with their currents are similar in the two chitons.